The Double-Life of a "Slasheur": Working a 9-to-5 Job, While Also Freelancing
Knowledge of combining activities to maximize profits or efficiency? Inquire about techniques to accomplish this goal.
Everyone's heard of the term "slash" in movies or TV shows, indicating a character with multiple roles or careers. In the professional world, the equivalent is known as a "slasheur". More and more of us are embracing this double (or even triple) life. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Forvis Mazars firm, a company that's adapting to this changing job landscape.
© ra2 studio/Adobe Stock By Sokha Keo Published on
- Copy link Link copied
First off, slashing isn't exactly new. But the pandemic has made it increasingly popular among employers. Forvis Mazars has been on board since 2020, syncing with this less formal employment model. "After Covid, we decided to ditch a rule that prohibited employees from taking on extra jobs," says Charlotte Gouiard, director of recruitment and employer brand, "we kept a non-compete clause but allowed for multiactivity outside the firm."
This loosened reign, responding to societal expectations about the importance of finding meaning in work, enables staff to take on parallel projects. They're hired full-time and have the freedom to explore ideas in a separate venture, all while keeping their office duties in check. "This is a buzzword for attractiveness in a generation that's after careers based on passion," comments Charlotte Gouiard.
From a Company Man to a Multi-Hyphenated Talent: The "Slasheur" Journey
At present, Forvis Mazars boasts around fifteen "slasheurs" in diverse fields: coaches, restaurateurs, YouTubers, influencers, speakers, therapists, high-level athletes, winemakers, taxidermists, and more. Sébastien Binet, a change management consultant who joined the firm in 2022, is just one of them.
Alongside his role at Mazars Forvis, Sébastien serves as the head of an amateur handball club for over ten years. It requires about 3 hours per night and weekends, amounting to around 25 hours weekly. "The skills I've picked up from managing the club have helped me excel in my position," Sébastien shares. "I'm driven by the human adventure, the collective." Besides his towering hat, a venture opportunity led him to open the restaurant L'impro with his brother, a chef, and a friend, in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (Yvelines).
Sébastien takes part in the restaurant's work, assists with the business plan, and covers Friday night service if needed. "I can't imagine living a one-dimensional life, it stimulates me," he asserts. Management appreciates his aptitude for wearing multiple hats. "The magic of this firm lies in the ability to discuss our personal projects, which are welcomed and embraced," Sébastien says. "It's reassuring to sense support for personal development."
Employee Shareholding: An Important Safety Net
To support their "slasheurs," management keeps a close eye on workloads to prevent any potential misuse. "Our job is to ensure a balance between their full-time responsibilities and their other commitments," reiterates Charlotte Gouiard. There have been no cases so far of employees leaving their permanent employment to dive headfirst into their parallel ventures. Most of these side gigs aren't particularly profitable.
"We arrange flexible work schedules as needed," explains Charlotte Gouiard. These compelling tales emerge because of their variety and uniqueness.
** Tip: Becoming a Successful Slasheur!**
- Develop strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Prioritize tasks effectively.
- Learn to delegate when necessary.
- Build a supportive network of friends, mentors, andPartners.
- Take breaks and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Seek opportunities to showcase your diverse skill set.
- Continuously learn and improve in all areas of your professional life.
- Sébastien, a change management consultant at Forvis Mazars, demonstrates the versatility of a "slasheur" by managing an amateur handball club and co-owning a restaurant, demonstrating that self-employed individuals can thrive in both traditional careers and parallel ventures.
- To foster a supportive environment for its "slasheurs", Forvis Mazars keeps a balance between their full-time responsibilities and other commitments, emphasizing the importance of strong finance management and career development in maintaining a successful lifestyle as a self-employed individual.
